Bears cut Evan Rodriguez after many mistakes

Caption

(Charles Rex Arbogast)

Chicago Bears tight end Evan Rodriguez talks with reporters after the team's NFL football practice Tuesday, June 4, 2013, in Lake Forest, Ill. Authorities say Rodriguez was ticketed for driving under the influence, speeding and improper lane usage and was ticketed early Friday on Interstate 90, near downtown Chicago. The incident was the second encounter the 24-year-old Rodriguez has had with police this year. In March, Rodriguez was charged with disorderly intoxication and resisting an officer in Miami. Those charges were eventually dropped. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

It was shorter than the possible alternative: “Player Makes Too Many Mistakes.”

The Bears released fullback Evan Rodriguez after one season and two recent run-ins with the law that disappointed general manager Phil Emery and the rest of the team’s front office. Rodriguez, who appeared in 12 games during his lone season with the Bears, now must go in search of his next second chance with another NFL team.

The Bears also released wide receivers Demetrius Fields and Dale Moss, neither of whom saw action with the team last season. After clearing three roster spots, the Bears brought back wide receiver Devin Aromashodu in addition to signing wide receiver Jerrell Jackson and fullback Tony Fiammetta.

Yet the most telling move came in releasing Rodriguez.

In March, Rodriguez was arrested in Miami and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting an officer without violence. The chargers eventually were dropped, but Emery let it be known the following month that he had spoken with his 24-year-old fullback.

“I certainly was disappointed in his arrest,” Emery said. “Certainly, Evan knows I was disappointed. He was re-educated with my expectations of a Chicago Bear off the field, and I certainly expect good things from him.”

The re-education of Rodriguez did not take hold.

Last month, Rodriguez was arrested by the Illinois State Police and charged with driving under the influence, improper lane use and speeding. Rodriguez released a written apology via the team, in which he said he was “deeply sorry” to the organization and its fans while adding, “I realize that I made a very poor decision.”

Eight days later, the Bears made roster moves.

Aromashodu, 29, is a five-syllable name familiar to most Bears fans. He spent time with the Bears from 2008 to 2010, catching 34 passes for 447 yards and four touchdowns during that span. The 6-foot-2, 201-pound player spent the past two seasons with the NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings, where he caught 11 passes for 182 yards in 2012.

Fiammetta, 26, also arrives with a bevy of NFL experience as he seeks to replace Rodriguez. The 6-foot-tall, 250-pound fullback has appeared in 34 games, including 17 starts, with the Carolina Panthers (2009-10) and Dallas Cowboys (2011).

Jackson, who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans, appeared in one game last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.